Parents of children who attend a Hollywood elementary school are being urged to monitor their children as health officials investigate whether the death of a young student may have been caused by meningitis.
School officials sent letters to parents of Beachside Montessori Village students Thursday warning them of the death of a first grader who died Wednesday as a possible case of bacterial meningitis.
"This is to inform you there has been a case of likely Meningococcal Disease at our school," Principal Joseph Balchunas wrote to parents. "Please monitor your child/children for any of the signs and symptoms listed below."
Balchunas told parents to look out for high fever, chills, tired, intense headaches, nausea, vomiting, stiffness in the neck and spine and a rash.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It's spread through contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people through coughing, sneezing and sharing drinking and eating utensils.
While it's rare, bacterial meningitis can cause brain damage or death if not treated immediately.
Balchunas urged Beachside Montessori parents to contact their health care provider if their children display any of the symptoms.
